The Onkyo is the first AVR receiver that was released with DTS-HD Master Audio along with Dolby TrueHD and it is also the first audio-video receiver that comes with the world’s 1st Dolby Atmos surround-sound named Dolby Pro Logic llz. This Denon vs Onkyo Receiver comparison will come in very handy. let’s jump right into it.
On the contrary, Denon had amalgamated with a lot of good and well-known companies before becoming a totally independent manufacturer. Therefore, in Onkyo vs Denon, it can be said that Denon is the one struggle and experience.
Denon and Onkyo receive are among the popular world-class audio receivers. Maximum people while buying picks either of these two companies to satisfy their needs.
So don’t you think that we should drive into both the models to figure out the reliability, sound quality, built quality, and other features?
Moreover, there are tons of interesting and important things that will come to light in Denon vs Onkyo details, so don’t miss any of the corners of this article!
So without further ado let’s pit Onkyo and Denon receiver together one after another
to find out the better options.
**Before getting into any detailed review or comparison , let me clear that there are tons of Denon and Onkyo models out there. So, it is quite impossible for me to talk/write about all of them. Plus I have used and know well about some selected models of both the brands and I will be writing about those only, in order to give you a unfiltered review.
Denon vs Onkyo Receiver: Things to consider before buying
Obviously, there are few factors that one must keep in mind before buying any device, whether it be a phone, laptop, or receiver. These factors include:
The number of inputs and outputs
The experienced users might know, the more inputs & outputs the more places they will get to connect the receiver, and also the more devices can easily accommodate.
Also, I must inform you that you should not only consider the number or amount of connections here. I mean, whatever the number of connections you have got in your receiver is not worth it if they are not of the right kind, right?
Let me explain, suppose the components that you will connect are old or analog which is not the right kind and won’t work properly for you as the AV receivers mostly offer connections that are digital, which provides excellent audio and video quality in comparison with the analog inputs & outputs.
Therefore, in order to receive the most out of any equipment –( in this case a receiver) you should check whether there is an HDMI connection or not.
Power
Power in an AV receiver determines the ability of it in delivering dynamic and detailed sound quality. Which range of power is good for a receiver?
Basically, a receiver with high wattage will provide you a better-detailed sound quality even at medium or low volume.
It is really very important for the receiver to be powerful enough so that it can accommodate both the speakers with which it has been connected as well as the room where it is located.
Note that, the power that needs to match up with specific speakers merely depends on the speaker’s sensitivity. That means the number of volumes or decibels it delivers per watt of power. So in short, the speakers with lower sensitivity and also the rooms larger in size require more power.
Receivers AirPlay compatibility
Often people don’t consider this feature while buying any receiver, which I think is a big mistake; especially if you are an iPhone user. AirPlay compatibility is newly introduced in the latest receiver models where the users can wirelessly stream audios or music from their iOS device, whether it be an iPhone, iPad, or an iPod. Plus, they can also directly music stream from Pandora; a digital app, from the receiver. Moreover, with the help of AirPlay, the user can also view song information and display album art while playing music.
However, if you an aesthetic person and still love playing music from tape or CD then you can skip this feature/ option.
Calibration
Calibration is another important thing to be considered as it has a great impact on your receiver’s performance.
At first, you have to set up the receiver along with the home entertainment system by connecting all the components hard enough. Then notice whether all the components are functioning properly or not.
Besides, there are many AV receivers that offer automatic speaker calibration systems. This will help the receiver in analyzing and adjusting the sound of the connected speakers automatically.
Interface
A receiver must need to be user-friendly. Who would like to use such a device where they can not figure out the ways to use it and how to use it?
That’s why everyone searches for a simply navigable receiver for enjoying songs or movies. While selecting or buying a receiver, it is important to tool and test around with the settings and display in order to make sure the user can easily navigate it as well as understand all its functions.
Remember, a quality receiver includes a graphical interface. This is sort of an ‘on-screen viewer’ with the help of which a user can set up as well as operate the AV receiver. Doesn’t it make your setup easy and smooth?
So, these are important factors you need to consider while choosing any receiver for your home or studio. Now you decide whether you want to consider these factors or just watch your favorite and expensive system collect dust all over it as you can not figure out the ways to turn it off/on.
Denon
Denon, a gramophones manufacturer as well as a member of Nippon Chikuonki Shokai, has amalgamated with a Japan-US-based company which later on formed again into Nippon-Columbia.
After too many amalgamated, finally in 2018, Denon solely produced its first audio and video receiver of channel 13.2.
Denon holds a strong place among many well-known electronic device manufacturers. Especially, for its Eco mode which has massive ground-breaking energy, it has held its fame till now.
The ‘W’ line receiver of this brand comes with Wi-Fi, Dolby Atmos, and Bluetooth. Whereas the ‘X’ line receiver, (which is the earlier edition) comes with Dolby Atmos, HDMI 2.0, DTS:X; full 4K, and HDR.
Features and Benefits
DTS:X
Some Denon receiver comes with DTS:X, such as Denon AVR-A110, AVR-X4700H, AVR-X3700H, AVR-S960H, AVR-Z2700H, AVR-X1600H(2019), AVR-S750(2019), AVR-S650H(2019), AVR-X8500H, DRA-800H(2019), AVR-X6700H.
What is the benefit of having DTS:X?
DTS:X is mainly a surround sound format. It is also considered Dolby Atmos’s competitor. It is beneficial to have it in your sound system because it supports height channels, which allows sound to come directly above the user’s head.
DTS:X sound format uses the DTS-HD MA carrier signal, in order to support DTS:X, which is why the soundbar needs to support DTS-HD MA as well.
Moreover, the receiver needs to have DTS:X directly connected to the soundbar while playing immersive and dense surround sound from any source.
Dolby Atmos
Denon AVR-A110, AVR-X3700H, AVR-X4700H, AVR-X2700H, AVR-S960H, AVR-X1600H(2019), AVR-S750H(2019), AVR-S650H(2019), AVR-X8500H, AVR-X6700H, DRA-800H(2019) have Dolby Atmos surround sound technology.
What is the benefit of having Dolby Atmos?
Same as DTS:X, Dolby Atmos supports height channels, which allows sound to come directly above the user’s head. However, Dolby Atmos is better than DTS:X.
Having Dolby Atmos will result in an immersive and great listening experience. You can also hear sound from all the direction depending on the home theater setup. Some 4k Blu-rays, as well as few streaming services such as Netflix, supports Dolby Atmos. However, all the soundbars do not support it.
Honestly, in most cases, the expensive one delivers a more natural sound experience, but it’s not true for all cases.
Number of channels
The number of channels varies from model to model, but the models AVR-A110, AVR-X470H, AVR-S960H, etc have a good number of channels.
What is the benefit of having a good number of channels?
Every receiver offers the traditional setup of 5.1 surround sound features 6 channels, located at the left-front, center, right-front, right-surround speaker, left -surround, & the subwoofer.
A good setup will provide you an excellent audio experience which is way too better than the one without any AV receiver. Remember, if you want to experience the deepness of the sound that you hear mostly at a movie theatre, you must add more speakers along with upgrading your AV Receiver to the one which has above 5 channels.
Wi-Fi
Demon AVR-A110, AVR-X4700H, AVR-S960H, AVR-X8500H, DRA-800H(2019), etc supports Wi-Fi.
What is the benefit of having Wi-Fi support?
It is very important to check whether the speaker/ receiver supports audio playback over the Wi-Fi or not.
It is a must feature, in case if you want to connect multiple speakers with one another for a multi-room-based audio setup.
Bluetooth
Demon models such as AVR-X6700H, DRA-800H(2019), AVR-S540BT9(2019), AVR-S750H(2019), AVR-X8500H, etc. supports Bluetooth connection.
What is the benefit of having a Bluetooth connection?
Bluetooth connection helps you to form a wireless connection with the receiver and your device. The newer versions of Bluetooth provide great wireless performance and improved latency when paired phones or other gadgets, like, tablet, smart TV, or PC, that support the same version.
HDMI inputs
The Denon receiver with 5 inputs is Denom AVR-A110, AVR-X3700H, AVR-S960H, AVR-X8500H, AVR-X6700H, AVR-S540BT(2018). The receiver with 6 to 7 HDMI inputs are Denom AVR-X4700H, AVR-X3700H, AVR-X8500H, AVR-X6700H, etc and models with 8 or more inputs are AVR-X8500H, AVR-X4700H, AVR-6700H, AVR-A110.
What is the benefit of having HDMI inputs?
HDMI is the HD signal which is mostly used for transferring both videos as well as the high definition audio over with just only one cable.
The commercial sector along with the frequently used cable in our homes that connects devices like BluRay player, digital TV, Xbox, DVD player, AppleTV, and Playstation with the TV.
Moreover, with the help of HDMI repeaters and switchers; you can effectively recalculate or ‘amplify’ the HDMI signal, which will also help the transmission is becoming more extended and improved.
USB
USB connection comes with a lot of advantages. Denon AVRX4300H, AVR-X6400H, AVR-X3500H, AVRX4300H, AVR-X6400H,
What is the benefit of having USB inputs?
In terms of listening to music on a desktop/PC, a digital USB adapter serves more advantages than any regular audio jack, quite similar to the DAC or the added software support.
Specifications
Build Quality
Denom has a solid built with a box shaped body. That said, let’s know more about Denon’s build quality via some of its best-known models
Firstly, Denon AVR-S650H with a 5.2 channel contains a brushed and nicely polished black faceplate along with a big control knob at the front side of the AV receiver.Its maximum models come with different buttons on the front which makes it very easy to operate.
In terms of built quality, Denon AVR-S940H is quite similar to the AVR-650H 5.1 channel. The only difference is the addition of the HDMI input in the front in order to accompany the USB input, which is why the 5.2 channel is better.
Also, AVR-S940H 5.2 has added the tone controlling knobs and “listening mode” which will definitely control the user’s listening experience making the unit’s built more functional.
This Denon receiver comes with a USB input and also its buttons quite small which you might not like if you have giant fingers like me! Moreover, the source selection on this model is completely controlled by a knob.
Then Denon AVR-X4500H, which has a 9.2 channel. There isn’t much difference in its appearance than other regular Denon models; specifically with the smaller ones. This is why this model will easily fill any smaller room. This model contains a simplified front which has some hidden extra controls beneath the panel.
Moving on to Denon D-M41; this model is great for budget-conscious buyers. It is a boxer shaped has many control options on the front, such as the play, stop pause, etc buttons. Moreover, the paired speaker of this stereo is strongly built. Overall, the speakers give you the feel of a vintage bookshelf speaker which has a removable grill made of fabric in the wood cabinet.
Features
I have already mentioned the main features that will attract you towards Denon; however, to elaborate it more, let’s talk about a few of its model features.
The Denon AVR-S650H has access to the DSD playback to get high-resolution music streaming as well as a Dolby ProLogic to get a home theatre use. Besides, it uses digital inputs including Bluetooth, USB, optical, HDMI, coaxial, and other analog inputs as well.
Moreover, AVR-S650H supports Airplay and Alexa. Therefore, if you use any Alexa-enabled or Apple devices, this model might be a good option for you.
Also, it has good wireless connectivity as both the Bluetooth & WiFi chip is present in this model.
Moving on to, Denon AVR-S940H, let me highlight the fact that Denon AVR-S940H with 7.2 channel is way too better than its 5.1 channel models. Why so?
The reason is very simple, the models with 5.1 channels don’t contain Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, DSD compatibility, ethernet connection, etc.
Coming back to the point, AVR-S940H has built-in Airplay and Alexa support.
Plus, it is DTS:X, Dolby Atmos capable, supports the HDR10, 4K Upscaling, Dolby Vision, 4K Passthrough along with USB, Phono inputs, and Bluetooth.
However, if you compare Denon AVR-S940H and Denon AVR-S950H; the latter one is more advanced. That is AVR-S950H supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), Bluetooth Headphone Transmission, which AVR-S940H doesn’t.
Now, talking about Denon AVR-X4500H; it is not too much different from the other models we have discussed so far. That means, it is DTS:X, Dolby Atmos capable, supports the HDR10, 4K Upscaling, Dolby Vision, 4K Passthrough along with USB, Phono inputs, and Bluetooth.
But disappointingly, in Denon AVR-X4500H vs Denon AVR-X4700H, there are few features that AVR-X4500H doesn’t support, such as QFT, QMS, Dynamic HDR, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, etc.
However, both the models support High-dynamic-range (HDR), Dolby Vision and HDR10+, Auro-3D and its Auro-Matic upmixer, Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit, etc.
Approaching towards stereo system Denon D-M41, it comes with Bluetooth, FM/AM Tuner, and CD. This system also contains 2 digital optical audio inputs which help to connect any digital device such as TV with the optical output.
Plus, it has a post connector with top-notch binding on component blocks and speakers.
Sound
Whichever device you buy, the sound quality plays a great role. It can take your experience to a different level. Therefore, giving priority to audio quality is a must.
The sound quality of the Denon AVR-S650H is superb. You can get a wide soundstage with total pleasure via the frequency. It is ideal for small to middle-sized rooms.
Denon AVR-X4500H’s sound quality has been upgraded. This model supports DTS, Dolby Atmos, Dialogue lift, Dolby Vision which enhances its sound performance. Plus, AVR-X4500H has enhanced the IMAX as well. Thus, it produces a more booming sound.
Now Denon AVR-S940H; this receiver suites more if it is used as a home theatre. Besides, it has a little bit less detailed but more energetic presentation at the time of listening to music.
Moving on to Denon D-M41’s sound quality, it presents a detailed as well as a wide soundstage. Also, the presentation is sort of forwarding which many of you might not like but overall it sounds nicely energetic. Further, with their placement, they are not at all picky and I will give a constant & decent bass response no matter wherever you place it.
My experience using Denon
I found no problem in Denonly AVR-S650H while watching movies/ videos on YouTube or Netflix. But I was unable to decode the streaming AAC into surround sound 5.1 which bothered me a little. Otherwise, the sound quality is excellent! Not only the sound quality, but its features are also praiseworthy.
I have used Denon AVR-S940H as well, I loved everything about the speaker except zone 2! It was pretty confusing and misleading. Rather than that, the setup and sound quality of this model are great. That said, in Onkyo TX-NR585 I wasn’t able to set it up with my ELAC Uni-fi UB5 speakers as well as the home theater system. But no such problem raised with Denon AVR-S940H.
It turned out to be a great receiver for me since I love to feel energetic while listening to songs!
Lastly, about Denon AVR-X4500H, I was at first confused between X3600H and AVR-X4500H, later on, I picked 4500H as it has AL32 Processing Multichannel, 32-bit D.D.S.C. HD Digital, Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer, Bass Sync( although Bass Sync has nothing to do with dual subs, it just allowed me to delay the signal/LFE on per input basis) Jitter Reduction, etc, which are absent in X3600H.
However, Denon AVR-X4500H lacks in Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization.
So between Denon X3600H vs Denon AVR-X4500H, the one I picked has more and great features.
Talking about the performance, I think X4500H is worth the price only if you are buying to run 7.2.4, otherwise X3600H, or refurb X3400H will also work great for you.
Onkyo Receiver
Another great receiver in the market from the Onkyo group (which is mainly an electronics manufacturer focusing on home cinema and audio equipment) is known for its detailed and clear sound, ample inputs, tone controls, etc.
Onkyo produces both budget-friendly and expensive receivers. Plus, not only receivers or speakers but also they produce PCs, amplifiers, and telephones. Moreover, among 9 new models, 8 of them from the TX-NR series comes with DTS:X and Dolby Atmos.
Features and Benefits
DTS:X
Some Onkyo receiver comes with DTS:X, such as Onkyo TX-RZ620, TX-NR787, TX-RZ810, TX-RZ9820, TX-RZ730, etc
What is the benefit of having DTS:X?
DTS:X is mainly a surround sound format. It is also considered Dolby Atmos’s competitor. It is beneficial to have it in your sound system because it supports height channels, which allows sound to come directly above the user’s head.
DTS:X sound format uses the DTS-HD MA carrier signal, in order to support DTS:X, which is why the soundbar needs to support DTS-HD MA as well.
Moreover, the receiver needs to have DTS:X directly connected to the soundbar while playing immersive and dense surround sound from any source.
Dolby Atmos
Onkyo TX-NR676, TX-RZ610, TX-NR747, TX-SR393, etc have Dolby Atmos surround sound technology.
What is the benefit of having Dolby Atmos?
Same as DTS:X, Dolby Atmos supports height channels, which allows sound to come directly above the user’s head. However, Dolby Atmos is better than DTS:X.
Having Dolby Atmos will result in an immersive and great listening experience. You can also hear sound from all the direction depending on the home theater setup. Some 4k Blu-rays, as well as few streaming services such as Netflix, supports Dolby Atmos. However, all the soundbars do not support it.
Honestly, in most cases, the expensive one delivers a more natural sound experience, but it’s not true for all cases.
Number of channels
The number of channels varies from model to model, but the models PR-RZ5100, TX-RZ3100, TX-RZ730, etc have a good number of channels.
What is the benefit of having a good number of channels?
Every receiver offers the traditional setup of 5.1 surround sound features 6 channels, located at the left-front, center, right-front, right-surround speaker, left -surround, & the subwoofer.
A good setup will provide you an excellent audio experience which is way too better than the one without any AV receiver. Remember, if you want to experience the deepness of the sound that you hear mostly at a movie theatre, you must add more speakers along with upgrading your AV Receiver to the one which has above 5 channels.
Wi-Fi
Onkyo TX-RZ620, TX-NR787, TX-NR828, TX-RZ710, etc supports Wi-Fi.
What is the benefit of having Wi-Fi support?
It is very important to check whether the speaker/ receiver supports audio playback over the Wi-Fi or not.
It is a must feature, in case if you want to connect multiple speakers with one another for a multi-room-based audio setup.
Bluetooth
Onkyo TX-RZ620, TX-RZ810, TX-NR575, TX-8160, etc supports Bluetooth connection.
What is the benefit of having a Bluetooth connection?
Bluetooth connection helps you to form a wireless connection with the receiver and your device. The newer versions of Bluetooth provide great wireless performance and improved latency when paired phones or other gadgets, like, tablet, smart TV, or PC, that support the same version.
HDMI inputs
Onkyo TX-RZ810, TX-NR828, TX-NR757, TX-NR809, etc have a good number of HDMI inputs.
What is the benefit of having HDMI inputs?
HDMI is the HD signal which is mostly used for transferring both videos as well as the high definition audio over with just only one cable.
The commercial sector along with the frequently used cable in our homes that connects devices like BluRay player, digital TV, Xbox, DVD player, AppleTV, and Playstation with the TV.
Moreover, with the help of HDMI repeaters and switchers; you can effectively recalculate or ‘amplify’ the HDMI signal, which will also help the transmission is becoming more extended and improved.
USB
USB connection comes with a lot of advantages. Denon AVRX4300H, AVR-X6400H, AVR-X3500H, AVRX4300H, AVR-X6400H,
What is the benefit of having USB inputs?
In terms of listening to music on a desktop/PC, a digital USB adapter serves more advantages than any regular audio jack, quite similar to the DAC or the added software support.
These were some basic features of Onkyo’s AV receivers. However, some model of these brand also comes with features like Auro 3D, support for multiroom which supports two zones, Bi-Amp, video conversion feature (1080p to 4K), Hybrid Log-Gamma and data transmission of HDR10(end-to-end).
Specifications
Build-Quality
Let’s start with Onkyo’s one of the best-sold models; Onkyo TX-SR393.
Similar to Denon AVR-S650H, it contains a brushed and nicely polished black faceplate along with a big control knob at the front side of the AV receiver.
It has got an AUX RCA and USB input on the front. Unlike TX-SR393, these input buttons of Onkyo are sort of more traditional which is why they are easier and smooth to press.
Then comes Onkyo TX-NR585, which has updated itself by replacing the smaller model’s extra input with just a single AUX input of 3.5mm. Moreover, has added the tone controlling knobs and “listening mode” which will definitely control the user’s listening experience making the unit’s built more functional.
Moving on to Onkyo TX-NR3010, it is comparatively bigger than Denon AVR-X4500H which is why it might not be the best option for the smaller rooms. Besides, it has a great finishing with classic buttons which are bar-shaped. This AV receiver is darker in appearance with a red and green display, making a fun combination with your lighter-colored room.
Now, let’s talk about the build quality of a stereo system, that is Onkyo CS-265. This model has round edges and in comparison with Denon D-M41, it has fewer little buttons on its front which makes it looks neater and less busy. However, it has a cheap glossy finish which might not attract buyers that much.
Features
Writing or talking about the features is the best part I believe, hope that’s true for you as well!
Coming back to the point, Onkyo TX-SR393 has access to the DSD playback to get high-resolution music streaming as well as a Dolby ProLogic to get a home theatre use. Besides, it uses digital inputs including Bluetooth, USB, optical, HDMI, coaxial, and other analog inputs as well. These features are common for Denon AVR-650H as well right?
So if you have to choose between Denon AVR-650H vs Onkyo TX-SR393, which one shall you go for? Let me make it easy for you.
Onkyo TX-SR393 comes with jitter reduction capacity. To elaborate, you might have noticed that sometimes an anomaly occurs in the playback. This occurs because the digital input source fails to be processed within the desired time and due to this an anomaly occurs which is called jitter.
The Onkyo TX-SR393 uses the jitter-cleaning technology called Phase Locked Loop in order to prevent it.
Many receivers might have DSD compatibility, but only Onkyo has the capacity to access DSD playback through HDMI input.
The above features are absent in Denon. Moreover, Onkyo has a greater number of inputs in both digital & analog varieties. In case, if you are still not happy with neither Denon nor Onkyo, don’t worry at the end of this article I have come up with a few great alternatives as well.
Onkyo TX-NR585 comes with excellent features like Dynamic Audio Amplification, Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry or VLSC, Non-Phase Shift Amplifier, Music Playback through USB, Bi-amp capability, DSD through the HDMI, more channel processing capacity, higher quality music playback and DSD through USB, and many more.
Then moving on to Onkyo TX-NR3010, it is lagging behind Denon AVR-X500H in terms of features. A few important features such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Gapless playback, Dolby Vision, HDR10, etc are absent in this model.
However, TX-NR3010 will gift you with DTS Neo, Front wide channel support, Dolby pro logic,Audyssey, DSX, Dialogue Lift, Component video upscaling, DTX neo, MHL Input, etc.
Then comes the stereo system Onkyo CS-265, which is filled with some rich features that include NFC and Bluetooth connectivity. This system is capable of running CD-R, MP3-Encoded CDs, CD, and CD-RW. Moreover, It has a USB Port in the front panel that is able to connect the products of Apple such as iPhone, iPad, iPod, and the USB Flash Drives as well.
Sound
There is not much to complain about the Onkyo’s receivers. All the above-discussed models do a decent job here. They have a very great bass response along with clear & detailed sound to boot.
My experience using Onkyo
Honestly, I loved the sound quality of Onkyo’s each of the models I have used so far. But I had once faced a problem with the HDMI of TX-NR3020. The problem was after I plugged in my new Blu-ray, all of a sudden the receiver stopped working.
However, it was solved later (with the help of this multi-disc Blu- Ray player) and is working super fine till now.
Also, I use a second-hand TX-NR585, in spite of that it works great and the sound output is awesome! So clearly Onkyo works well for me.
Pros of the discussed models(Onkyo and Denon)
Onkyo TX-SR393
- It has lots of inputs.
- And It has capacity to reduce Jitter.
- This supports Dolby Atmos
- It supports Bluetooth Version 4.2.
- It is capable of video signal upscaling from 1080p-4K
Cons
- Phone input absent
- There is no 5GHz WiFi
- No front wide channel support,
Denon AVR-S650H
- It has Audyssy Dynamic EQ.
- And It works with Alexa
- IThis has higher resolution playback music up to 192 kHz.
- It has great sound quality.
- The power stage is 75W.
Cons
- No DSD via HDMI
- No front wide channel support,
Onkyo TX-NR585
- It reduces Jitter.
- It is capable of analogue to HDMI upconversion
- Works with SONOS
Cons
- It has only 1 front input.
- No DTS:X support.
- No Dolby Atmos support
- It has 8 HDMI inputs
- This has color coded speaker terminals
- It has 2-ch input (DSD via USB)
Cons
- Less number of connections
Onkyo TX-NR3010
- It has 9 HDMI input.
- 11.4 analog Pre-outs
- It has HDMI, Composite Video,
- USB, RCA Audio inputs.
Cons
- No DTS:X support.
- No Dolby Atmos support
- It supports airplay and works with Alexa
- Supports Bluetooth connectivity.
- It has 3 HDMI outputs.
- This supports Dolby Atmos
- Its speaker A/B are assignable.
Cons
- Dolby Pro logic absent.
- No Multichanel input.
- Has many connection options.
- Supports Bluetooth
- Has excellent ergonomics.
- Has decent sound-stage.
Cons
- The Bluetooth version is outdated.
- The build quality is average
Denon D-M41
- It is budget friendly
- Has triple noise reduction capacity.
- Super easy to setup
- Has a deep sound stage.
Cons
- 1.It has no USB connection.
Alternatives
It is very common and natural if a particular brand does not work well for you. So, in that case, it is better to check other brands with similar objectives. So to make it easy for you I am presenting you with some alternatives & Onkyo and Denon which are equally famous in the market for their features and performance.
Marantz SR7015 & Marantz SR7013
Both the receivers are processing channel 11.2. They have Dolby Atmos up to 7.1.4 with external amp, built-in Auro 3D, DTS:X up to 7.1.4 with external amp, 8 HDMI inputs, 3HDMI inputs, and many more.
Besides, SR7015 is slightly better than SR7013, as it supports a higher Bluetooth standard and 2.3 HDCP copy protection. However, none of the Marantz models work with SONOS.
Often people find it difficult to choose in between Marantz 7013 vs Denon 4500, whereas I find both of them quite similar. So if don’t like Denon, you might like this one!
Yamaha Advantage RX-A2020 & Yamaha Advantage RX-A3080
Both the Yamaha receivers contain 9 channel amplifiers. They support Wi-Fi and ethernet connectivity, 2Multi-ch input, phono input, etc.
However, if you compare them RX-A3080 is way too better than RX-A2020 as it has a good number of channels, maximum channel processing, Dolby Vision, 4K passthrough, HDR, etc.
So if you ask me to choose between Denon vs Yamaha 2020, I might go for Denon. But if Denon is an issue for you then RX-A3080 is there for you.
FAQs of Denon vs Onkyo Receiver
While you walk in the quest of finding the best receiver, you will encounter some problems. You can say your worries goodbye, as this part of the article is going to solve some of the most asked questions in this regard.
Is Denon better than Yamaha?
Some models of Denon are like if you are to choose between Denon vs Yamaha 2020, I would say Denon as it has got better features.
Which Onkyo models support Bluetooth?
Onkyo TX-RZ620, TX-RZ810, TX-NR575, TX-8160, etc supports Bluetooth connection.
Which one shall I choose between Denon vs Yamaha av receivers?
Both the brand has few specific models that are doing quite good in the market, so it is quite tough to choose between Yamaha Denon. However, if I give you a generalized opinion, Yamaha has great (more) reviews.
Finally, I will state that both Denon and Onkyo have some good as well as average models among which you have to choose the one that fits your desire the best. I have written about the models that I know well about and which are popular (at least to me) as well. I really hope this will help you to make the right choice before purchasing.
Student and Tech journalist.
